Dirty Truth: The Many Consequences of Poor Toilet Hygiene
Olubode Racheal
The Association of Faculty of Arts Students Press Organisation (AFAS Press) published two articles in the previous session, exposing the state of the toilets in the Faculty of Arts. The focus of one of those articles was on the health effects of leaving the toilets in an unsanitary state. In this article, student testimonies paint a disturbing picture: messy toilets, flooded floors, and an overwhelming stench that permeates the halls.
The state of the faculty toilets reflects poorly on the collective responsibility of its students. Adejumobi Taiwo, a 200-level student of Communication and Language Arts, while speaking with AFAS Press, mentioned that there have been some improvements.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to bring to light the negligent attitude of some students about the state of the toilets. This habit is peculiar to those students who use the toilets in the New building. Some students intentionally ignore the instructions to fetch from the tap to flush the toilet after use. As a consequence, their disobedience leaves the toilets in a deplorable state and creates an unbearable environment for other students. This wilful disregard demands attention, not just as a matter of personal responsibility but as a public health concern. The consequences of neglecting basic toilet hygiene are severe. The specific health effects extend beyond the immediate unpleasantness and increase the chances of:
Bacterial and mineral buildup: Urine, left to stagnate, deposits minerals like calcium and magnesium. This creates stains that can be challenging to remove and in most cases create permanent damage to the toilet. These bacteria grow in warm and moist environments, and they can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin infections, and other illnesses. The constant dampness also provides the ideal conditions for fungal growth. The volume of bacteria present in a neglected toilet is staggering. Leaving the toilet in a deplorable state creates the right environment For the spread of pathogens through touch and aerosolization.
Fly infestation: Stagnant water creates a breeding environment for pests like flies and rats, who use the opportunity to spread and infest other areas. Flies, attracted to the decaying organic matter, breed in these unsanitary conditions. These insects act as vectors for numerous diseases, spreading bacteria and viruses through their contact with food and surfaces. In addition, rodents carry various pathogens and parasites that can lead to serious illnesses, including hantavirus and leptospirosis. Their presence introduces the risk of contamination to food supplies and other surfaces within the building.
Constant bad odour: The stench of stale urine and faecal matter is not only unpleasant; it is also a constant assault on the senses. Prolonged exposure to these odours can worsen respiratory conditions, causing headaches, nausea, and other discomfort. The psychological effects are also substantial; the constant awareness of the unsanitary conditions contributes to stress and a continuous avoidance of the toilet even when one needs to use the toilet desperately. Students then give remarks such as, “I don’t want to use the faculty toilet; it is always messy.”
Airborne contaminants: Neglected toilets release airborne contaminants. These contaminants, including ammonia from urine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from faecal matter, have negative effects on respiratory health. Inhalation of these substances can trigger or worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses. The potential for the spread of airborne pathogens is also a serious concern.
In conclusion, keeping the toilets clean after use is not a matter of individual responsibility; it is a collective responsibility. We must all actively participate in maintaining a healthy campus environment. We must challenge the apathy and ignorance that allows this crisis to persist.
